Season Watch

A dramaturgist, a journalist, and an ecologist walk into a podcast...

Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff discuss the intersection of monsters and conservation with Michael Chemers, professor of dramatic literature and founding member of

The screech of the Barred Owl can be haunting

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sandhill cranes in Aitkin county, active chipmunks, deer scrapes and

In defense of naps and highbush cranberries

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the importance of rest, the benefits of sugar, and celebrate the first full year of the Season Watch Podcast.Send us a v

Northern Harriers soar low over open areas as migration continues

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on migrating birds, the taste of cranberries, and first frosts.

Are you cold hardy? How plants protect themselves from the winter chill

Charlie Mitchell listens to Sandhill Cranes, ponders Bald Eagle courtship, and learns about cold hardiness in plants.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

Ruffed Grouse strut their stuff and a few monarch butterflies linger

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing fall colors, Ruffed Grouse, and insects.

Yes, but why is your face like that? An ode to the American Woodcock

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Julia Schrenkler opine about the weird and endearing American Woodcock, a love of strange science, and much more.Send us a voice memo throug

Turns out Great Horned Owls can hunt Great Blue Herons

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell gripe about buckthorn, learn about hummingbirds, and consider the healing effects of forests.Send us a voice memo through Speak

Mourning cloak and comma butterflies bed down for a long winter

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on overwintering butterflies, changing colors, and hummingbirds.

When mushrooms bleed blue

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell converse about mushrooms, angry squirrels, and go off on tangents.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Parasitoid wasps are a big bummer (and have one too)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell chat about Darwin, monarch butterflies, and the decline (and hope) of birds.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

Hummingbirds depart as fall color begins

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 15, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discovers Nevada flora and fauna and notes seasonal transitions in Northern MN.

Chickadees and chimpanzees: Two geeks gab about the joy of science

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff geek out about primatology, evolution, and fantastic teachers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

What's the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck?

Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss detailed observations, the joy of pursuing a snake, and the calming sound of nature names.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.

Immerse yourself in nature (and, possibly, a pile of ants)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

The subtle changes towards autumn with John Latimer

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.